Weave runs on your machine, not a cloud server. Files are saved in a simple, open format (JSON + assets). This makes it blazing fast and privacy-respecting. Syncing is your responsibility (via Dropbox, Syncthing, or git), which some will love, others hate.
There is no iOS/Android app, and no web clipper. You can view a canvas on a phone via a third-party renderer, but editing is impossible. This makes Weave a “desktop-only” tool, which kills the capture habit for many. weave desktop
Recommended with caveats. Try the free trial first, and be prepared to change your note-taking habits. Weave runs on your machine, not a cloud server
You can embed almost anything: local videos, PDFs, websites (rendered live), code blocks, even spreadsheets. These embeds are interactive within the canvas—no need to open external windows for basic viewing. Syncing is your responsibility (via Dropbox, Syncthing, or
Despite being visual, Weave has a robust command palette (Ctrl/Cmd+P) and quick-switch between nodes. It respects Vim-like motions if you enable the plugin. The Bad (Cons) 1. Steep Learning Curve Because it breaks the folder/tree model, new users often feel lost. “Where do I save something?” — anywhere. That freedom can paralyze. Weave needs better onboarding tutorials.
Rating: 4.2/5 Best for: Researchers, writers, students, and visual thinkers who feel constrained by linear note-taking apps. Platforms: Windows, macOS (Linux via community builds). Overview Weave Desktop is not your average note-taking app. At its core, it’s a spatially infinite whiteboard where every node can be a note, a link, an image, a code snippet, or a webpage. Unlike tools like Notion or Obsidian, Weave doesn’t force you into folders or markdown hierarchies. Instead, it embraces the “spatial” metaphor: you organize by placing information where it makes visual sense to you. The Good (Pros) 1. True Non-Linearity Most PKM (Personal Knowledge Management) apps claim to be non-linear but still rely on backlinks or graph views. Weave’s canvas is immediate. You can zoom out to see a “map” of your project, or zoom in to edit details. It’s like a mix of Miro (whiteboard) and Roam Research.